The biggest problem with trying to directly power EVs with solar roofs

A car roof can only catch so much sunlight, and adding more panels brings its own problems.

By Husain Parvez Nov. 1, 2026 1:30 pm EST Baranozdemir/Getty Images Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

A solar roof seems like an ideal EV accessory. Park outside, skip plugging it in, and drive away with a full battery. The problem is that even a relatively large car roof provides little room to harvest solar energy, and driving a modern EV requires significant electricity.